The Saanich Police Traffic Safety Unit has been busier than usual since the beginning of 2019. Our officers have already issued over 300 tickets, attended over 50 crashes and have conducted 6 impaired driving investigations since January 1st. A few days ago our Traffic Officers conducted a high risk driving campaign on Highway 17 near Royal Oak Dr. In just under two hours officers stopped 22 vehicles for speeding in the 80 km/hour zone. One vehicle was stopped for travelling 139 km/hour. The driver received a $368 ticket and his vehicle was impounded for seven days.
On January 12, 2019, at around 1:40PM, we received several 9-1-1 calls about a motorcycle travelling in a dangerous manner on the Trans Canada Highway. Callers informed Police the motorcycle was travelling at 200 km/hour, weaving through traffic and doing stunts, such as wheelies. Traffic Officers observed this motorcycle a short time later travelling north on Highway 17 and later again travelling west on McKenzie Ave. When the motorcycle was seen on McKenzie Ave the rider saw our officers then split the lanes of traffic to avoid being stopped. The motorcycle is described as an orange, or red, racing style bike without a licence plate attached to it. Our Traffic Officers are looking to speak with anyone who observed this motorcycle or may have video of the event. (SPD File 19-01002 refers)
On January 13, 2019, at around 10:40AM, Saanich Police responded to a report of an impaired driver in the area of the Trans Canada Highway/McKenzie Ave. The vehicle, a blue 2018 Audi Q5, had been swerving in traffic while south on the Trans Canada Highway when the driver appeared to pass out while waiting at a red light at McKenzie Ave. After several light cycles the driver awoke and turned onto McKenzie Ave. The driver then stopped for a red light at the intersection of McKenzie Ave/Burnside Rd West where he appeared to pass out again. The driver awoke after several light cycles and continued west on McKenzie Ave.
Officers stopped the vehicle and spoke to the driver who was arrested for impaired driving. The driver, a 54 year Saanich man, is facing charges of impaired driving and driving with a blood alcohol content over 80mg%. After the investigation the driver was released and will appear in court in February. Although Officers have spoken with several witnesses they are looking to speak with additional witnesses who may have actually knocked on the drivers’ window when he was stopped in traffic. (SPD File 19-01067 refers)
Sgt. Jereme Leslie #228